Wrath and Wraiths

Chronicles of the Dawnblade #4

by Andrew James Claydon

Just because you’re chosen, doesn’t mean you want to be.

Finally home, all Nicolas Percival Carnegie wants to do is sit quietly for five minutes and figure out who he’s becoming after his latest adventure…but his plans are destined to be foiled yet again – because he’s about to discover how terrible wrath can be.
Nicolas and his companions have meddled in the schemes of a powerful foe three times now, and that is one time too many.
Unleashing one of his most fearsome servants, the Maestro is bent on Nicolas’s destruction.
But fate has something different in mind.
Finding himself somewhere he never dreamed he’d end up – even with his overactive imagination – Nicolas is instead thrust into the middle of a war whose outcome doesn’t just impact life itself, but the afterlife too.
Cut off from his companions, he needs to try and survive as enemies old and new surround him with a single goal - to make sure the only place he ends up is the grave.
At least amongst the legions of the undead he may discover the answer to a burning question:
Why does nothing in Etherius stay dead anymore?

Genres: Fantasy

273 pages, ebook

Published December 3, 2023

About the author

Andrew Claydon has an imagination, one full of variety.

Sometimes it's funny, sometimes it's adventurous, sometimes it's shocking, and occasionally it's outright strange...but it's never boring!

Andrew is a UK author who grew up loving fantasy movies such as Conan, Krull, Beastmaster and Willow. The epic worlds and battles of swords and sorcery therein inspired him to create his own fantasy worlds, adding to them his own brand of irreverent humour; because sometimes it's good to chuckle in between sword fights!

He wants to inspire the imagination of others, just as he's been inspired; with dashing heroes, epic quests and vile villains.

So reader beware, you aren't just opening a book, but a doorway into Andrew's imagination. It'll be a strange journey, but an entertaining one!

Reviews

[Andrew Claydon]

It's official, book 4 in the Chronicles of the Dawnblade the series is now all set for a December release!

This is one I affectionately like to term 'the end of the beginning.'

I think it's fair to say Nicolas has endured a few trials so far in this series. Yet, I don't think any of them prepare him for what's about to happen next...

His world, maybe everyone's world, will never be the same again.

Still dealing with the guilt over his actions in book 3, Nicolas finds himself alone and in more danger than he's every known, and couldn't even imagine if he tried.

New enemies are coming for him, and old ones are waiting for him, accompanied by a nice little side dish of the odd undead horde or two, in this awesome slice of epic fantasy adventure

I had so much fun writing this, and I think you'll have just as much fun reading it!

Keep adventuring,

Andrew

[Jan Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not wait to dive into the next instalment of Nicholas’s adventures, and I wasn’t disappointed. After he’s legged it home, the most reluctant hero you’ll ever read takes stock. And parties, despite feeling like a fraud because, well, he doesn’t ‘feel’ like the hero everyone says he is. That’s an important distinction when you’re wresting with who you really are and what you’re going to do next. How can you live an ordinary life when thus far, you’ve somehow bumbled through saving the known world several times? After the party to end all parties in his name, Nicholas is left questioning if the ghost which is haunting him is real, or if he’s just so hungover, he’s seeing things. Or is he, actually dead?
Luckily, his good pals have an inkling something is wrong, very, very wrong, and are en route to check up on him. But…. It’s too late.
This story explores - in a very funny way - lots of themes about growing up and accepting who you are, or not. And death, of course. Masterfully written, it will have you in stitches as the adventure unfolds. The cast of characters always feels like you are catching up with old friends and I can’t wait for the next instalment! Highly recommended reading!

[Vancil C. Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrath and Wraiths (book 4 of The Chronicles of the Dawn Blade)
353 pages
I received a digital copy of this book from the author for free and I am completing a voluntary review here.
Andrew Claydon continues to impress and amaze me with the Chronicles of the Dawn Blade series!!! He brings a new storytelling element into book 4 by having the character called Shift bring their Point of View into the story line! And in doing so, we not only see Nicolas maturing and becoming more than the ‘reluctant hero’ in the first three books, we also now see Shift begin to mature as they express themselves and their concerns about Nicolas. As the story moves along, going from Nicolas’s POV to Shift’s POV, we hear their thoughts and see them work through the many problems they both encounter along the way. I’ve always loved stories being told from the character’s POV, and Mr. Claydon does a fantastic job of it in this book!!!
As with the prior books, there are twists and turns that will surprise you! There will be plenty of action scenes - some funny, some very serious - and be on guard for the ‘adult humor’! You may find your drink of choice trying to escape through your sinuses and out your nose!!!
Nicolas leaves the group and heads home to try and reconcile what he has done - i.e. killing the faun. He seems set on tormenting himself with all the ‘bad things’ he has committed. The celebration his village has prepared for him only escalates the torture. He awakens from a nightmare and goes in search of his family, only to find the village empty and in disarray. Nick is shot by an evil entity, and his spirit is sent to the Underworld. His body is found by his team of friends who have returned to his village. Everyone believes he is dead, except Shift. They believe Nick is alive and they do their utmost to convince the rest of the team. The back and forth POV of Nicolas and Shift brings a fuller experience to the reader as the story progresses, full of misunderstandings, subterfuge, spies, trickery, battles and just when you think you’ve figured out what will happen to everyone - surprise!
Every book in this series gets better and better as the author builds out the story!!! Someone, or some thing, is PO’ed at Nicolas and the team’s interference in their plans to take over everything. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, and all of the books after that!!!
Do you love a good fantasy story with twists an turns? Characters that have ‘real life’ problems to deal with but find a way to work through them? Then I highly recommend this book, this entire series, to you! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Gemma Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to dive into another fantastic instalment of the Dawnblade chronicles and join our favourite reluctant hero on his next adventure! Once again the author does a brilliant job of combining fast moving action, a witty and humorous writing style, and the serious and relatable issues the characters face. We get to see a real growth in Nicolas’ character as he struggles to deal with his new adventurous life and the things it has made him do, but his love for his friends and family push him to do what he needs to, and the added extra POV of Shift’s story means we get a real insight into the characters relationships. And who doesn’t love a good zombie fight?!

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there's one thing that Nicolas dislikes intensely is that he's revered as a hero, ok, maybe two things, he's very uncomfortable with the attention he receives because he certainly doesn't see himself as anything close to resembling a hero. He sort of fell, unwillingly, into this "role". He's a self confessed coward trying to keep out of harm's way, which doesn't pan out like that, he seems to attract harmful situations. His dream of a quiet life is rudely interrupted by, yep, more adventuring! Only this time, it's a tad more dire... he's ended up in the underworld, with things that haven't been alive for a long time, in a place he, once again, knows nothing about, nor how to navigate it, with zombies aplenty and if he doesn't get out, it might just be permanent. His bumbling denial of, well, everything, is so delightful. So are his attempts at rationalising, he's consumed with guilt for deeds his done, but heavens, he only defended himself! Still, he struggles to let go and is convinced EVERYTHING is his fault! And therein lies the sheer beauty of his character, he's so...wholesome, he's got a conscience few have, he has a love for his family and friends that propel him to do the most bizarre deeds to save them, irrespective of how petrified he is.

I did enjoy the that this time we has another pov other than Nicolas, showing both sides of the coin vividly. While Nicolas is rebuking himself and his deeds, his friends on the other side are going to great lengths to bring him back. Oh yes, he's not completely entrenched in the underworld, he's more in limbo. So, a madhatter plan is concocted, with the aid of the Oracle, to go and retrieve his soul, yep, what can go wrong? Well..... they need to find out WHY Nicolas is in the underworld, HOW he ended up there, and most importantly, how to get out intact. So Auron got the honour of finding Nicolas and bringing him back. And the real fun unfolds... the action, the shenanigans, the unexpected, the whole bang shoot is one delight after another.

I do love the love Nicolas instills in, umm, everyone. Especially in his weird bunch of misfit friends, I mean, an assassin, an orc and a ghost, oops, sorry, a SPIRIT! Nicolas's niceness rubs off on them and they are the most loyal of friends. Too gorgeous. It's not an easy task to infuse humour into a serious, ok, RELATIVELY serious topic but the author does it with great aplomb, so that I'm giggling as much as I'm cringing. It's ridiculously... ridiculous, it's ridiculously heartening and it's ridiculously fabulous a tale. Andrew Clayton gives us a different take on a hero, he opens up a world unlike anything else, his prose is exceptionally clever and the plot he magically concocts, is just that, MAGICAL! This majorly talented author will entertain the pants off you! Be prepared for a blast! Be prepared to want more....

[Arista Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so much to say about this book and ALL of it is good!

If you’ve been following my reviews of this Epic Fantasy Adventure by Andrew Claydon, you’ll know that the beginning of Book 3 had left me a little unsteady about the tone the series was taking, but while ‘The Odd Sea’ recovered in the second half, ‘Wrath and Wraiths” has blown all of my concerns out of the water from Chapter One.

It’s a masterpiece of storytelling, once again filled to the brim with Claydon’s unmistakeably humor. Dry, witty, and a joy to read, and even though the middle of November is the busiest time of my year, once I dipped a toe inside the front cover, I couldn’t stop myself from finishing the whole book.

Especially when, after only two chapters, Nicholas is separated from the rest of the main cast in a way that leaves you utterly on the edge of your seat. I simply couldn’t stop then, I had to keep going to find out how Andrew Claydon was going to fix the mess he’d put Nick in this time!

The poor man never seems to get a break but, by now, he’s beginning to learn how to roll with the punches. Literally! And the character progression is not only wonderfully portrayed, it’s a joy to watch Nick grow into his own a little... while still bumbling through the odd mistake that humanizes him in a way that really makes this whole series a refreshing take on the fantasy genre.

A surprise in book four of the series, was getting a second point of view, but because of the way in which Nick is isolated for a majority of the story, it was also a sorely needed point of view.

For my part, I loved reading some of the story from Shift’s perspective! Not only do I have a soft spot for thieves, getting to see inside the headspace of some of the other characters is always a delight, and seeing them cope (Or NOT cope, as the case may be) with Nick’s untimely absence was as fascinating as it was enlightening.

I do hope the dual POV can be continued in future books, or possibly some other POV’s from other characters if the plot/situation fits.

The plot for book four was incredibly well woven, and tightly put together, but I still spotted a few threads related to Nick’s other compantions that I can see have been left for future books that I cannot wait to find out how the author is going to address.

And since Book 9 is currently being written, I know I have plenty to look forward to. My congratulations go out to Andrew for once again crafting a wonderful piece of storytelling. The paperback will be gracing my bookshelves as soon as release day hits (Counting the days to DECEMBER 4TH!)

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Leigh W · Rating 5 out of 5]

After running back to his village from the previous book, Nicolas is sitting in the middle of a celebration of him while guilt is eating at his mind. The irony is not lost on him that all he ever wanted was to NOT be the center of attention. The tales of the deeds of Nick Carnage have found their way to his hometown and everyone quite easily figured out he has saved the day on numerous occasions. But the guilt from having to kill the faun in self-defense, a point he does recognize but still agonizes over, is making him a shadow of himself. After being awoken from his drunken stupor from something being off, he finds his town in a terrible state and an unknown creature attacking him. A dire warning from it’s master is given before being sent to places unknown. We meet up with the rest of the gang who were en route to Nicolas’ home town to try to find and talk to him about what happened. When they get there, all they find is a deserted town with ominous signs that something is dreadfully wrong. After meeting up with The Oracle, they start to put the pieces together of what may have happened and decide to look for more answers. But things go from bad to worse with each step they take.

This book took a different direction in how the story was told, the POV was changed to a dual POV. I really enjoyed how the author made this work, he split the chapters in half so we got two plots running tandem to each other. I never felt lost between bouncing between the two because it was done in a way that I didn’t forget or lose focus on what either side was doing. And I like who he chose to have as the secondary person. I’m torn if I want him to continue using just those two or if he should rotate through the group. There is some closure to this arc in the story but the story as a whole is not done. We see decisions get made and waffling points from multiple parties are solidified finally. There is a clear path on how to move forward but I am sure it will be a long road getting there. The adult humor in this book had me cackling at times or covering my face at a really terrible (but much enjoyed) pun. I am so very excited to see where this series is heading and am looking forward to the next installment already.

I received an ARC and this a voluntary review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this book from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I am a big fan of the Chronicles of the Dawnblade series and I was excited to read Wrath and Wraiths. This is the fourth book in the series and I think it may be the best one so far. Nicolas is dealing with the aftermath of his actions at the end of the previous book. And as always, he gets sucked into an adventure against his will and has to be the reluctant hero again. His struggles are very relatable to me, as always, as they feel very human and how I feel a lot of people might realistically react if they were dragged into the events that Nicolas has had to deal with.

This book has a lot of surprises and different twists and turns that kept me engaged the whole time. While this is a comedic fantasy series, there were a lot of very serious moments in Wrath and Wraiths, too, that had me tearing up as I read them. With that said, there were still plenty of funny moments in here as well and I felt like the mix of serious and funny moments were balanced very well in this book and the whole book an excellent read.

As for the characters, we get Nicolas' reluctant perspective as always. However, there was a lot of focus on some of the other characters, especially Shift. We get to see a lot of Shift's perspective in this book and I really enjoyed seeing both the differences and similarities between Nicolas' and Shift's thoughts and fears. Both Nicolas and Shift go through a lot of growth in this book and share some similar fears and worries and it was a lot of fun to see that.

I think Wrath and Wraiths is the strongest book of Chronicles of the Dawnblade yet, with a fantastic storyline full of wraiths and spirits, magic, tragedy and comedy, and unforgettable and relatable characters with great growth and development. I recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure with a comedic flair and fun characters. And if you haven't read the previous three books yet, please do. You won't regret it.

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a difference a book makes for Nicholas! When we last saw him, he was really struggling to come to terms with internationally killing someone, and it wasn't going well. But while he is alone, his town is attacked. See, Nicholas and his friends have definitely thwarted some very good and well laid plans, and now they have come to make him pay. Nicholas is thought dead, almost, but in reality, his spirit is shoved into the Underworld where he is to wander alone. But Auron and his companions have other plans. While his friends hoped for his return, they also faced many of their own battles, searching for answers on the missing townsfolk. I really loved the dual POV in this book, so we knew what was happening above and below with each party, separated as they were. The author did an amazing job creating further depth of character, in not just Nicholas, but in all of our friends, and they are embracing the family part of adventuring together. I keep saying it, but it still holds true, I can't wait to see what our companions get up to next trying to locate the villagers.

"The weight of the guilt he carried faded away as he thought of those he’d saved, instead of what he’d had to do to save them."

[Elisa Menz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Nick, you poor thing!
Since life couldn't get much worse for our darling hero, let's mess up his death too. Honestly, this cruel author better has run out of drama for Nick Carnage (we know he didn't).
While I can't say this is my favorite book of all four, it's surprisingly different from its predecessors. I loved Shift's POV and their chaotic internal monologue. It fits their personality perfectly, and since the story splits between Nick and them, it was a great way to quickly follow whose deadly situation we were reading about at the time.
It was fantastic to see Auron as a non-spirit (kind of a spirit but not as translucent, and definitely not a ghost). I think he might be my favorite so far, but at the same time, I'm also glad he's already dead since I really feel like punching him every once in a while, which is terrific! Who needs a self-righteous hero?
I'm a stand-alone kind of gal, but I'm so invested in these characters that I can't wait for the next book. Nicholas is on the path to the mega-final battle, and the stage is set for a most definitely not pleasant experience for our favorite reluctant hero.

[GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting off with what seems to be survivor's guilt, or even, PTSD, might seem a gutsy move on Author Claydon's part, but considering the character of Nick it's fitting.

We return to the world of the Dawnblade with Nick and co. and once again the world is in trouble with poor Nick as the accidental hero. Trials and tribulations, a fast-moving plot, and many more brushes with death (can't help it when there's a necromancer about!) leads readers through adventures with this odd cast of characters. (And adds a few more)

The story switches character perspectives as the party has SPLIT UP! But it's all for a good cause. The shifts are well-written and fit within the storyline.

Will the reluctant hero want to become a real one?
Will his ghostly mentor stop with his self aggrandizement?
Will his shapeshifting fri... um, ally make up their mind?

One of the best things about this book? There is another one on the way!

[Gemma Clatworthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Chronicles of the Dawnblade saga. The character development, in particular Nicholas' is brilliant, we get to see Auron as he was in his glory days and all the threads of the story weave together perfectly. If you like epic fantasy and refusal of the call stories, you need to check out this series.

This is book 4 and Nicholas has some soul searching to do after his revelation that he might have killed someone in book 3. Claydon handles this brilliantly, making Nicholas' introspection realistic and yet not whiny. I also loved the shift (pun intended) in viewpoint to another character and the building romance. The trip to the underworld is a brilliant twist and I really enjoyed seeing Nicholas and Auron interact in real life, or should that be death. Cannot wait for the next installment.

[Lorenza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Brilliant.

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better...it just did. This next installment is such a good read. This new adventure follows poor Nick confused in the underworld, essentially dead in all intense and purposes and his companions left in the over world trying to figure out whats going on. Andrew Claydon has written this so well, shifting between the underworld and his companions with ease and with really good flow. I thoroughly enjoyed the new perspective from Shift, it made for really good reading and hopefully there will be more of that to come in future issues. Once again I'm really enjoying Andrew Claydon's witty writing and great laugh out loud comments which have continued through this new installment.

Can't wait to find out whats next in store for Nick.

[Sara G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

He hadn't even realized he was going to poke Auron until he did.

I'm terrified of zombies, and I think this is my favorite book thus far.

Thankfully, most of the book is focused on wraiths more than zombies. Our hero Nicolas has a ... transporting ... event that separates him from his gang, whose escapades we hear about from a new point of view - a long time mostly reliable team member, Shift. It was nice to switch into their point of view for this book. Auron the spirit also has a delightful role, which gave him the opportunity to throw a bit more of his weight around.

Perhaps most important to me was that the villains were a bit more believable in this book, while still being outlandish. They gave it a good weight without detracting from Claydon's typical humourous style.

*I received this book early from the author's Kickstarter.*

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicolas Percival Carnegie never wanted to be a hero, Nicolas Percival Carnegie never wanted to be the centre of attention, Nicolas Percival Carnegie just wants life to slow down and let him get off whilst he sorts himself out but well life hasn’t been that way for him and his adventures have been extraordinary. From book one I have been a part of this journey, felt his pain, felt his triumphs as time and time again, he and his friends have battled on and saved the day but it seems the bad guy is not finished with Nicolas just yet and he finds himself in the underworld separate from his friends. Old enemies, new enemies, Nicolas does what he needs and the author throws a surprise out way by interweaving a dual pov! On the edge of my seat, my heart in my throat, this was an incredible addition to an incredible series and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Paul Birch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying Chronicles of the Dawnblade. This is the most recent one I've read which is Wrath and Wraiths, the fourth in the series. The main character is getting better and better at staying alive and the stories are developing superbly. Mr. A J Claydon is an excellent author and has the kind of brain that creates genuinely real descriptions of unreal (possibly) locations, characters and other elements of the world(s) he is sharing. The story lines are compelling and the content is such that it is difficult to put down the book.
Make sure that you start with the first book in the series - The Simple Delivery - and then move on to next and the next after that etc. I'd thoroughly recommend this series.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great installment to the adventures of Nick Carnage.. Sorry, Nicholas Percival Carnegie. Can't wait to see the the characters grow further and for more of the witty puns, hidden pop culture references and comedic serious the author puts into every read. I await book 5 eagerly.